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How do I know if I have ulcerative colitis?

How can you tell if you have ulcerative colitis? Symptoms include:

abdominal pain

bloody diarrhea

mild fever

urges to empty the bowel though nothing happens (false urges)

weight loss

You may also have other symptoms, such as:

being prone to blood clots (hypercoagulability)

eye inflammation (red eye)

joint pain

skin rash

Ulcerative colitis can lead to an extremely rare potentially life-threatening condition called toxic megacolon. The inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis can make the colon enlarge to the point where it may tear or burst, spilling the contents of the colon into the abdominal cavity.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice these symptoms of toxic megacolon:

abdominal pain

abdominal swelling

altered mental status (e.g., confusion)

dehydration

fast heartbeat

fever

low blood pressure

It's not always possible to tell whether you have ulcerative colitis from symptoms alone. That's why it's important to visit your doctor for a diagnosis. If you think you may have ulcerative colitis, see your doctor to find out for sure.

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